anywhere, I guess. He has you strapped down to the chair."

"Barber?" repeated Professor Radberg, in disgust. "I don't understand
you."

"Oh, it isn't necessary," laughed Jack. "It's a sort of Yankee joke.
And I beg your pardon, Professor, if I am wasting your time. Now, go
ahead, please, and tell me why you invited me here."

There was something of salt water breeziness and crispness about Jack's
speech that caused the German's brow to cloud for an instant. Then,
after a visible effort to compose himself, Radberg leaned forward
to ask:

"Do you speak German?"

"No, sir." Jack shook his head.

"Ach, that is too bad!" muttered the German, in a voice suggesting
severe disapproval of one who hadn't mastered his own native tongue.
"However, you will soon learn."

"Yes; if there's a big enough prize goes with it," agreed Jack.

"Prize?" repeated Professor Radberg. "You will say so!"

Then, leaning forward once more, and speaking in his most impressive
voice, Herr Professor Radberg continued:

"Herr Benson, we are going to take you into the German Navy!"